Taylor’s University, a renowned institution committed to purpose-led education, has inaugurated the Taylor’s Urban Farm (TUF) on its Lakeside Campus. As a crucial component of the Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab, TUF aims to inspire and encourage the community to take an active role in revolutionizing the food system through innovative practices and technology.
TUF encompasses a sprawling one-acre “field of inquiry,” providing students and staff with an interactive space to address the pressing need for food system transformation. The urban farm boasts a diverse range of more than 20 vegetables, fruits, and herbs, cultivated through three distinct planting systems: vertical towers, grow beds, and autopots.
One of TUF’s remarkable features is its implementation of a closed-loop system that minimizes external inputs and enhances the nutrient cycle by recycling water used for plant growth. This approach ensures sustainability and minimizes contamination risks, differentiating TUF from traditional farming methods. Annually, the urban farm has the potential to yield over 4000 kg of fresh, organic, and pesticide-free produce.
A key highlight of TUF is its semi-automated approach, facilitated by the Internet of Things (IoT) Nido One system. This precise system controls and monitors vital factors in the hydroponic growing process, including water pH levels, nutrient solutions, temperature, and humidity. This technology-driven approach not only enhances efficiency but also showcases Taylor’s commitment to cutting-edge innovations in sustainable agriculture.
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